Triple-Shelled Manganese-Cobalt Oxide Hollow Dodecahedra with Highly Enhanced Performance for Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries

Precisely carving of multi-shelled manganese-cobalt oxide hollow dodecahedra (Co/Mn-HD) with shell number up to three is achieved by a controlled calcination of the Mn-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-67 precursor (Co/Mn-ZIF). The unique multi-shelled and polycrystalline structure not only provides a very large electrochemically active surface area (EASA), but also enhances the structural stability of the material. The residual C and N in the final structures might aid stability and increase their conductivity. When used in alkaline rechargeable battery, the triple-shelled Co/Mn-HD exhibits high electrochemical performance, reversible capacity (331.94 mAh g(-1) at 1 Ag-1), rate performance (88 % of the capacity can be retained with a 20-fold increase in current density), and cycling stability (96 % retention over 2000 cycles).